Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. Þ Epidural or Intrathecal medications Þ Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (i.e., eptifibatide) Þ Oral hypoglycemics Þ IV Inotropic medications (i.e., digoxin) Þ Liposomal forms of drugs (i.e., liposomal amphotericin B) Þ IV moderate sedation agents (i.e., midazolam) Þ Oral Moderate sedation agents for children (i.e., chloral hydrate) Þ IV/Oral Narcotics/Opiates Þ Neuromuscular blocking agents (i.e., succinylcholine) Þ IV Radiocontrast agents Þ IV Thrombolytic/Fibrinolytics Þ Total parenteral nutrition solutions Specific High Alert Drugs: Þ Insulin, subcutaneous and intravenous Þ Intravenous amiodarone Þ Opiates and narcotics Þ Injectable potassium chloride (or phosphate) concentrate Þ Injectable colchicines Þ Intravenous (unfractionated) heparin Þ Injectable, low molecular weight heparin Þ Sodium chloride solutions above 0.9% Þ Intravenous lidocaine Þ Injectable magnesium sulfate Þ Oral methotrexate, for non-oncologic use Þ Nesiritide Þ Injectable nitroprusside sodium Þ Warfarin The Nursing Department will outline any additional specific precautions to be undertaken with the management of these medications that are not included in the Patient Care Services policy and procedure, General Practices, Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Medication Management and the Decreasing Medication Errors policies and procedures. The Clinical Department will review this list of high alert medications every six (6) months and as needed to evaluate the specific precautions implemented by the Nursing Department and patient care to reduce errors associated with these medications, and to determine necessary additions or deletions from the list. REFERENCE: Institute for Safe Medication Practices Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-206